Philadelphia Flyers Notebook: Deal keeps Timonen in Philly at least another year

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8), of Russia, battles for the puck against Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Kimmo Timonen (44), of Finland, during the second period of an NHL hockey game on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

PHILADELPHIA — The Flyers made official a contract extension for Kimmo Timonen Thursday, a 1-year, $6 million deal that should keep Timonen here through next season. That time frame seems about right for him.

While the lockout likely benefited Timonen in returning from offseason back surgery, one more year beyond this season not only gives him time to think about his future, but also something he prizes a year from now — the 2014 Olympic Games.

During training camp, Timonen said he’d like to extend his contract “a year or two” for two primary reasons. No. 1, of course, is the Stanley Cup championship that has eluded him in a 15-year career.

“That’s the only reason I’m still here,” Timonen, who turns 38 next month, said during the six-day camp last month. But he also expressed interest in participating in what would be his fifth Olympic Games. He’s hoping he can accomplish that before heading back home to Finland — sooner or later.

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Timonen has talked about wanting to return to his homeland possibly before his 13-year-old son starts high school.

“In a year or two, we have to make a decision, whether we’re going to stay here or move back,” Timonen said during camp. “Because I don’t think we can put him in a position of starting high school here and then moving back.”

If Timonen sticks around for a while, he might be looking to extend his career further in Philadelphia, whether it’s in a uniform or in some other role with the team. For now, Timonen is almost like a coach on the ice.

“When you play with Kimmo, he really settles the game down,” Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said. “He thinks the game through, and when you play with a guy like that, it really benefits you.”

Timonen’s new partner this year, Luke Schenn, has extolled the virtues of playing with the veteran.

“He plays against other teams’ top lines all the time,” Schenn said. “He’s so calm with the puck, never gets himself in trouble. He’s not the flashiest, but he’s steady and consistent.”

Timonen came over from Nashville as a free agent along with fellow free agent Scott Hartnell in the summer of 2007. Holmgren had traded for both players’ negotiating rights. Timonen was a leader from his first days in the Flyers’ locker room.

Through 407 games with the Flyers, Timonen has scored 28 goals and garnered an unreal 183 assists. This from a former 10th round draft pick (No. 250 overall) of the Los Angeles Kings in 1993.

Twenty years later...

“We have a lot of young kids here that watch the older players and how they respond,” Holmgren said. “Whether winning or losing, or whether a coach yells at the team, all different things. Kimmo is a great role model for every player. You couldn’t ask for a better guy.”

NOTES: Holmgren said Wayne Simmonds went through a fairly easy skate with the coaches Thursday, but still didn’t participate in contact work. “His (concussion) tests were OK; it’s just a question of when he feels he’s ready to go,” Holmgren said. “I would say he has a chance to play Saturday.” Holmgren added Simmonds would “probably” be cleared for a full contact practice Friday: “He still doesn’t feel quite right,” Holmgren said. “That’s what he said to me today. But obviously he’s feeling better.” ... Hartnell (fractured foot) had his cast removed and will step up the intensity of his rehab next week. Andrej Meszaros (shoulder) will likely be skating sooner than that. An optimistic time frame for both returning to game action would be two weeks.